Operating System
Downloading the Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 directly from Microsoft’s archives fixes critical bugs and security gaps that automatic updates no longer cover.
Still stuck on an older version? Without this update, you risk debugging failures, slower performance, and even security vulnerabilities—especially if you’re working on legacy projects. Below, I’ll walk you through the official download process, offline installation steps, and how to verify everything works.
Where to download Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 officially (direct links)
Microsoft officially ended support for automatic updates to Visual Studio 2013 after Update 5, but you can still download it directly from their archives. This update includes critical security patches, bug fixes for debugging tools, and performance optimizations for Windows 7/8/10 compatibility.
Since Microsoft doesn’t host it on their main site anymore, I’ll guide you to the verified official sources and explain how to verify your download.
If you’re working on legacy projects or maintaining older codebases, Update 5 is essential. It resolves issues with ASP.NET projects, C++ tooling, and source control integrations. The offline installer is particularly useful if you’re on a restricted network or need to deploy it across multiple machines.
Below, I’ve compared your options for downloading and installing it safely.
⚠️ WARNING: Avoid third-party sites claiming to offer "Visual Studio 2013 Update 5." These often bundle malware or outdated versions. Always use Microsoft’s official archives or trusted sources like the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Here’s a direct comparison of your download options, including ISO vs. standalone installer, file size, and compatibility notes:
| Source | Download Type | File Size | Compatibility | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Update Catalog | Standalone MSU (Windows Update format) | ~1.2 GB | Windows 7 SP1 / 8.1 / 10 | Direct Link + SHA-256 hash check |
| Microsoft Archive (via Wayback Machine) | ISO (Full offline installer) | ~4.5 GB | Windows 7/8/10 (32/64-bit) | Archive Link + Digital Signature |
| TechNet Gallery (Community Upload) | EXE (Direct installer) | ~1.5 GB | Windows 7/8/10 (Verified) | Gallery Link + Community Voting |
All sources require administrator privileges for installation.
For most users, the Microsoft Update Catalog is the safest option. It provides a smaller file size (~1.2 GB) and integrates seamlessly with Windows Update. However, if you need an offline ISO for deployment, the Wayback Machine archive is your best bet.
Always verify the download using the SHA-256 hash provided by Microsoft to avoid corrupted files.
To download from the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for "Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 (KB3086199)" and select the MSU package. This method is ideal if you’re on a modern Windows 10/11 system with internet access.
The SHA-256 hash for the file should match 3a7b4c9d2e1f8a6b5c3d0e7f2a4b6c8d9e0f1a2b3c4d5e6f7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b (example; check Microsoft’s official page for the real hash).
If you’re using Windows 7 or 8.1, the ISO from the Wayback Machine is more reliable. Mount the ISO using File Explorer (right-click → Mount) and run setup.exe from the mounted drive. This avoids potential compatibility issues with the MSU format on older systems.
For offline installations, extract the ISO to a USB drive or local folder using tools like 7-Zip. This lets you run the installer without needing an internet connection. Just double-click vs_update.exe in the extracted folder and follow the prompts.
If you encounter errors, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements: 4 GB RAM, 10 GB free disk space, and .NET Framework 4.5.1.
After installation, verify the update by checking the About Visual Studio dialog (Help → About Microsoft Visual Studio). The version should display as 12.0.40629.0 or later. If it doesn’t, repeat the installation or check for corrupted files using the Microsoft Fix it Tool.
Pro tip: Bookmark these links for future reference. Microsoft’s archives can disappear, so saving them now ensures you’ll always have access to Visual Studio 2013 Update 5—even if Microsoft removes it later. ⌨️
How to install Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 without internet (offline method)
Installing Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 offline is essential for developers working in restricted environments or maintaining legacy projects. Microsoft’s official ISO download ensures you bypass internet dependency while receiving the complete 1.5 GB update package.
This method guarantees all security patches and bug fixes are included without relying on fragmented online updates.
Before proceeding, verify your Windows 7/8/10 system meets the minimum requirements: 4 GB RAM, 10 GB free disk space, and admin privileges. Use this offline method to avoid interruptions during installation, especially in environments with firewall restrictions or limited bandwidth. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Offline Installation Guide
- Download the ISO: Grab the Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 ISO from Microsoft’s official archive (linked in Section 1). Save it to your C:\VS2013_Update5 folder.
- Extract the ISO: Use 7-Zip or built-in tools to extract files. Right-click the ISO → Extract Here to access the setup.exe and update files.
- Run Setup Silently: Open Command Prompt as Admin and navigate to the extracted folder. Execute:
setup.exe /quiet /norestartto skip prompts and avoid automatic reboots. - Verify Installation: Open Visual Studio 2013 → Help → About. Confirm the Update 5 version number (12.0.40629.0).
- Troubleshoot Errors: If you encounter missing dependencies, download the Visual Studio 2013 redistributable separately and install it first.
For corrupted files, re-download the ISO and re-extract. If the installer hangs, add /log:install.log to the command to generate a log file for debugging. Always back up your Visual Studio projects before updating to prevent data loss during the process.
Pro tip: Use DISM to repair Windows components if you encounter setup failures. Run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
in an elevated Command Prompt before retrying the update.
Once installed, test critical features like debugging tools and ASP.NET projects to ensure all Update 5 fixes are applied correctly. This offline method ensures a clean, uninterrupted installation—perfect for legacy systems or air-gapped environments.